Enter your innovation: Belden seeks IT/OT convergence solutions for 2026 award - AI News Today Recency

# Enter Your Innovation: Belden Seeks IT/OT Convergence Solutions for 2026 Award

Belden Inc. is now accepting submissions for the 2026 Joseph C. Belden Innovation Award, inviting small and medium-sized companies to showcase how their innovations support IT/OT convergence—the critical integration of information technology and operational technology systems[1]. As digital transformation accelerates across industries, this award recognizes solutions that bring these traditionally separate worlds together to unlock data-driven efficiency, operational excellence, and competitive advantage[1].

What Is the Joseph C. Belden Innovation Award?

The Joseph C. Belden Innovation Award is Belden's flagship recognition program designed to celebrate groundbreaking innovations that address real-world challenges in IT/OT convergence[1]. The award has already established itself as a prestigious honor, with the 2025 program recognizing InUse for its ilean solution, an industrial agentic AI assistant that helps technical teams reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency[1].

This year's program continues Belden's commitment to supporting innovators who are reshaping how industrial and smart environments operate. The award reflects Belden's own transformation from a connectivity products supplier to a comprehensive solutions provider specializing in converged IT/OT infrastructure[3].

Key Eligibility Requirements for 2026 Submissions

To qualify for the 2026 Joseph C. Belden Innovation Award, submissions must meet specific criteria designed to ensure practical, market-ready solutions[1]:

- Company size: Small or medium-sized companies with less than $500 million in revenue - Product availability: Solutions must have been made available for sale on or after July 1, 2024 - Implementation success: Products must be implemented in at least one customer application with testimonials demonstrating value and benefits - Business impact: Entries must address the integration and optimization of IT and OT environments - Market focus: Eligible products should support IT/OT convergence in Belden's key markets, including manufacturing, transportation, data centers, warehousing & logistics, energy, healthcare, or hospitality[1]

Why IT/OT Convergence Matters Now

As digital technologies become increasingly integrated with operational systems, the traditional separation between IT and OT has become unsustainable[1]. Organizations across industries face mounting pressure to bridge this gap to achieve operational excellence and maintain competitive advantage[1].

Belden's strategic focus on IT/OT convergence reflects broader industry trends. The company recently appointed Jeff Winter, a leading Industry 4.0 voice and thought leader, as Vice President of Commercial Strategy, signaling the company's commitment to leading conversations around digital transformation in manufacturing and industrial automation[4]. This move underscores the growing importance of solutions that connect strategy to real-world outcomes in complex operational environments[4].

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is IT/OT convergence?

IT/OT convergence refers to the integration of Information Technology (IT) systems—traditionally focused on data processing and business operations—with Operational Technology (OT) systems that control industrial processes and equipment[1]. This convergence enables organizations to leverage data-driven insights to optimize production, improve safety, and enhance overall efficiency[1].

Who can submit entries to the 2026 award?

Small and medium-sized companies with less than $500 million in annual revenue are eligible to submit[1]. Your solution must be a product or technology that supports IT/OT convergence in one or more of Belden's key markets: manufacturing, transportation, data centers, warehousing & logistics, energy, healthcare, or hospitality[1].

When must my product have been released to be eligible?

Your product must have been made available for sale on or after July 1, 2024[1]. Additionally, it must already be implemented in at least one customer application, and you'll need to provide customer testimonials attesting to the value and benefits your solution delivers[1].

What was the 2025 award winner?

InUse won the 2025 Joseph C. Belden Innovation Award for its ilean solution, an industrial agentic AI assistant designed to help industrial and technical field teams manage tasks, reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and cut operational costs[1]. The award presentation took place in Chicago on June 17, 2025[1].

How does Belden define business impact for submissions?

Belden evaluates business impact based on how well entries address the integration and optimization of IT and OT environments[1]. Your submission should demonstrate clear, measurable benefits to operations, efficiency, cost reduction, or safety outcomes[1].

Where can I find more information about submitting my innovation?

Submissions are currently being accepted through Belden's official award program portal[1][2]. Visit the Joseph C. Belden Innovation Award website to access the entry form, detailed requirements, and submission guidelines for the 2026 program.